Overview

LPHI is committed to bridging the gap of the mental health provider shortage by providing tools and trainings to build community awareness and knowledge on how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use crisis. These trainees become the first line of support in the community. Just as CPR helps even those without clinical training to assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis through a culturally responsive lens. MHFA is an evidence-based public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges and builds understanding of appropriate detection techniques, interventions, resources, and referrals.  

Training Opportunities

LPHI offers both Adult and Youth MHFA trainings. All community trainings are FREE to Louisiana residents and done virtually. Individuals who complete the training will receive a Mental Health First Aider certification, which is good for three years. 

2024 Adult Training Dates 

Adult Training is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults age 18 and over. Adult training will take place over two half-days.

July 17th & 18th

Open

August 21st & 22nd

Open

September 11th and 12th

Open

September 18th and 19th

Open

October 16th & 17th

Open

November 13th & 14th

Open

December 11th & 12th

Open

2024 Youth Training Dates

Youth Training is a skills-based training that teaches parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, and health and human services workers how to identify, understand, and respond to an adolescent (ages 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Youth trainings take place over one day.

July 30th

Open

August 13th

Open

August 27th

Open

September 24th

Open

October 29th

Open

November 12th

Open

December 18th

Open

LPHI also offers private training opportunities. To learn more about private training opportunities, contact our team at LPHItraining@lphi.org. 

Resources

LPHI has several helpful resources to share with the community and those interested in learning more about MHFA. 

Training Team

Instructors 

  • Alpha Gebrie: Adult MHFA Instructor since June 2022 
  • Arien Ragster: Youth MHFA Instructor since February 2022 
  • Frederick Blanche: Dual, Adult & Youth Instructor since June 2020 
  • Jennifer Haneline: Youth MHFA Instructor since February 2022  
  • Lindsey Rudov: Adult MHFA Instructor since June 2020 
  • Reagan Carmena: Dual, Adult & Youth Instructor since March 2024
  • Demetrius Plaxico: Dual, Adult & Youth Instructor since July 2024

Coordinators: 

  • Reagan Carmena: MHFA Coordinator
  • Demetrius Plaxico: MHFA Coordinator

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding MHFA training, please reach out to us at: LPHItraining@lphi.org.